San Diego State has not had a player selected in the NFL draft the past three years, the program’s longest draft drought over the past six decades.
That is expected to change — perhaps as soon as Thursday night, when the first round of the 2026 NFL draft is conducted in Pittsburgh.
SDSU cornerback Chris Johnson is projected as a first-or second-round pick.
“I’m excited,” Johnson said before an on-campus workout earlier this week. “I’m excited about the opportunities, just being able to play more ball on that elite level.”
Union-Tribune draft expert Eddie Brown ranks Johnson as the third-best cornerback in the draft, and projects that he will go 32nd overall to the Seattle Seahawks.
NFL.com’s mock draft lists Johnson as the fourth cornerback selected in the first round, going to the Dallas Cowboys with the 24th overall pick (after trading down with Cleveland). ESPN’s mock has Johnson going to Kansas City with the 29th pick.
If he is selected on the first day, Johnson would be the 11th first-round pick in program history and the first since 2018, when the Seattle Seahawks took running back Rashaad Penny with the 27th overall pick.
Johnson shared Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors last season. He improved his draft stock with a standout effort in February at the NFL combine, highlighted by a 4.40-second time in the 40-yard dash.
The three-day draft begins with Thursday’s first round at 5 p.m. (ABC/ESPN). Rounds 2 and 3 are Friday, with the final four rounds on Saturday.
The overview of Johnson on NFL.com credits him for being able to play inside or outside and says, “While many college corners lean on lax officiating to grab and maul, Johnson stays disciplined. He trusts his footwork and technique to remain tight to the route. He attacks the catch point with run-through force and is a tenacious wrap-up tackler who can quickly end plays. Big receivers can steal some high-points, but not enough to cause concern. Johnson’s coverage versatility, toughness and athleticism should make him an early starter for a coverage-hungry team.”
Brown called Johnson “a smooth, instinctive outside corner who pairs sticky coverage with real ball production.”
SDSU teammates who could be late-round picks include offensive tackle Christian Jones, cornerback Bryce Phillips and safety Eric Butler. If they aren’t selected, the players are certainly candidates to sign as preferred free agents. Former Aztecs center Ross Ulugalu-Maseuli, edge Niles King and kicker Gabe Plascencia are among other potential free-agent signings.
